Driving into the cabin, windows rolled down, the swamps alongside the beaten roads were filled with verdant beads that promised new adventure. Ancient trees were granted another ring and adorned with blossoms aggressively pushing through their dormant limbs.

Our eyes were swollen, almost shut.

Life was stirring after a long sleep and we were witness to it all. Warm sunlight streamed mystically through the cypress swamps. The restlessness began … Anticipation for the sweet smell of yellow jasmine grew and the wind whispered,“Move … move, move. It is time to arise and seek.”